Jerry Latell Founder and Owner

For more than 25 years, sailors throughout the region have called Jerry their “partner-in-sailing.” From designing high-tech multihull racing sails to downwind asyms and code zeros for bluewater monohulls, Jerry focuses on helping sailors determine what sails they need and then exceeding their expectations. He is an exacting “measurer,” making sure every sail built fits perfectly. “We specialize in quality construction, comprehensive service, and responsiveness” he says. “Every sailor’s needs are different, so we like to have a conversation first and then respond with a tailored solution.”

Justin Ailsworth Owner and New Sail Manager

“I love transforming a roll of cloth into a sail that can take someone across an ocean,” says Justin, who has been part of the loft since 2008. Justin has sailed since childhood, racing all types of one-designs. He was a captain of the sailing team at CNU and a few years later, joined Jerry at the loft. He soon become a co-owner. Justin runs the loft floor, designs sails, and personally oversees all new sail production and repairs. He manages the construction of thousands of square feet of sails every month and has built sails for prestigious ships such as the USCGC Eagle, the Mayflower, and the Godspeed. Justin is committed to serving sailors and to the art of sailmaking.

Jake Pender Lead Sailmaker After studying marine engineering at SUNY Maritime, Jake turned to tallships with a stint aboard the Mystic.  He then returned home and started his sailmaking career at our loft.  Jake has built on all of his prior knowledge to become a top flight sailmaker, sail designer and is now a key contributor to the new sail and rigging projects.   Along with designing and sewing modern sails for the past decade, Jake is a leading expert in tall ship sails and rigging.  Jake’s deepest professional satisfaction comes from “helping people realize their sailing dreams.”

Stephanie Sweeney Hampton Office Sail Consultant Stephanie has more offshore ocean miles than anyone in the loft, many of them racing. When she’s not trimming spinnakers on racing boats, she manages the loft’s Hampton, VA location.  She works with both cruising and racing boat owners to help them figure out the best solutions for their needs. “I get tremendous satisfaction helping sailors reach their dreams, especially introducing women and kids to the sport.”  Stephanie is a member of the Ocean Cruising Club, an ASA certified instructor, and is a USCG licensed captain.

Doug Miller New Sail Consultant Doug is a self-described “perfectionist”--a good thing to be when he’s managing all of the loft’s dockside work.  Whether installing new sails on a classic daysailer or removing sails for service on a large cruising cat, Doug is a stickler for details and treats every customer’s boat like it’s his own.  When he’s not out on a boat call, Doug runs the loft’s computerized cutting table, and consults with customers about their sail needs.  Doug has a lifetime of sailing miles from the great lakes to Bermuda and finds great satisfaction “putting new sails on a boat and seeing our customer’s excitement.” 

Greg Tapscott Sailmaker Greg has been building sails at the loft for seven years.  He is skilled at making and installing new sails and enjoys, “taking a pile of basic materials and turning them into something that propels a craft.”  Greg is a fountain of interesting conversation.  He helps keep us grounded in life outside the loft.  He and Isaac are often found pontificating on the larger issues of life.  Never a dull moment.

Meghean Kidd Office Manager Meghan is the “maestro of the loft,” keeping us all in time, moving together..  She creates work orders, does all purchasing for the loft, and oversees sail repair and canvas workflow.  If you call the loft, chances are she’ll be the one personally answering your call.  If you want to be sure something happens at the loft, she is the person you want to connect with.  She’s been at the loft for the past two years and she feels as if she has always “been around boats, working in the marine industry.”

Jimmy Newell Sail Repair Specialist Jimmy is a classic artisanal craftsman.  An artist at heart, he is a master at taking a sail that looks destined for the trash bin and using his handcraft to bring it back into service.  Jimmy has been a mainstay at the loft for six years and keeps the rest of us on our toes with his humor.  He has had a long career in the marine industry from boatbuilding to yacht canvas and paint and varnish.  We often joke that if Mother Goose had had Jimmy around, Humpty Dumpty would’ve ended up back in one piece.

Joel Boggs Canvas Department Manager Joel has been building dodgers, biminis and enclosures at Evolution Sailmakers for 12 years.  He’s a pro at designing and patterning canvas structures for any style of boat—small daysailors, center cockpit cruisers or multi-level catamarans.  “I enjoy going out on boats and finding out just what the owners want.  Then making it!” 

Issac Boswell Sailmaker For two years, Issac has been involved in every step of building new sails.  A wooden boat enthusiast and talented carpenter, he is drawn to the nostalgia of sailmaking as an age old craft.  He loves building new sails for modern craft, but his passion is creating traditional sails for wooden boats.  Isaac lives aboard his sailboat and enjoys the full lifestyle of a marine craftsman. 

Lisa Nicewander Canvas Maker When it comes to mainsail packs, covers and canvas repairs, Lisa‘s expertise is matched by none.  In her two years at the loft, she has built more than 70 sail covers and sail packs, including some of the largest packs out there.  Lisa will also build in boat names and graphics.  “It’s important that we use only the highest quality materials, even when it may make the build harder,” she says.  “I see a lot of poor quality canvas that needs repair so it’s best to do it right from the beginning.”

Kristina Harborne Oriental, NC Sail Manager Kristina is the newest sailmaker at Elevation Sailmakers and is heading up our new Oriental, North Carolina sales and service office. Kristina hails from the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom and is a 25-year industry veteran. Kristina is a keen racer and has extensive racing experience on dinghies, keelboats and yachts. She was a former National Champion in the Laser 2000 and also raced with the British Navy sailing team in their J80 keelboat.  Kristina is keen to help young people and women get into sailing and is eager to share her knowledge and experience with local sailors throughout North Carolina.